Monday, October 30, 2017

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Dianne Feeley

This interview with Dianne Feeley (DF), candidate for Franklin School Committee, was collaborated on via email. I am behind on transcribing the interviews I have conducted and need to finish four this week.


FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

DF: I love Franklin and as a born and raised Franklinite I am proud of our history, and also excited about how it has grown over the years. I fondly remember the “Old Franklin High School” and how well my teachers prepared both me and my husband to pursue our goals. I am also proud of the school system today as my children were both able to attend the colleges of their choices and pursue their dreams.

I am a graduate of Framingham State College with a BS in Mathematics and a Concentration in Education. Each year in order to maintain my teaching certification, I continued my education by taking graduate courses and workshops in Special Education, Accounting, Mathematics, and Technology. I recognize that the classroom is always changing and it is important to provide teachers with the support to improve their art.

Currently I am working as a bookkeeper with Quick Bookkeeping LLC of Franklin. When I retired from teaching, I learned a new skill and utilized my continued education to become a bookkeeper. I enjoy working with local business owners to help with their books. If I am not working you can usually find me spending time with my family. My grandson, Jack, and I enjoy taking walks and playing at the Nason and King Street Parks.

Although I no longer have children enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools, I am life-long learner and an educator, as such I am committed to help maintain the high standards of education in the town.

FM:  What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

DF: As a certified High School Mathematics teacher of 21 years with service at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical H.S. and Holliston High School, l have experience with curriculum, policy, and standardized testing at the high school level. I was the Co-Chair of the Steering Committee on the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation (NEASC) team as well as a member of the search committee for hiring staff at Holliston High School. Franklin High School recently completed their NEASC review and received feedback from the visiting team. As an educator who has not only co-chaired a NEASC Team, but has been on the receiving end of accreditation feedback, I have experienced the implementation phase of the visit.

I am accustomed to working with a team. I understand the needs of all students as I have experience with all levels and abilities. I recognized the importance of a well-rounded student. The arts, sports, and clubs are equally important as a rigorous curriculum and these areas should be supported. I understand the importance of collaborating with others and gathering information to make well-informed decisions in the best interest of all.

FM:  What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

DF: I think the biggest Role of the school committee is to support the Superintendent. Dr. Sara Ahern and the Central Office Administrative Team as well as the building based administration need to be supported in order to meet the needs of all students in the Franklin Public Schools. With that being said, the budget and financing a top notch education as well as attracting and retaining qualified staff are always items of concern.

I believe the teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and the support staff are the foundation of the school system. It is important to provide the appropriate compensation within budget constraints. In order for the schools to be successful, the School Committee should ensure the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Principals have the tools necessary to support and implement their policies in order to continue achieving high standards for all of the families in Franklin.

As a lifelong resident of Franklin, I cannot imagine raising my family in a better town. Franklin has much to offer their residents: restaurants, parks, sports, theater, clubs and a beautifully renovated library. Schools are the heart of the town and Franklin has great schools. Now that I am a retired from my full-time position as a teacher, I am able to give back to the school community in a different capacity. It would be my honor to serve as a member of the school committee. I would use my experience to voice the importance of educating the needs of the whole student (cognitive, emotional, and physical). I would appreciate your vote on November 7th.

To follow up directly with Dianne, you can reach her via email at diannefeeley@gmail.com


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 


Election Collection - 2017

Election Collection - 2017



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